Bessie Craigmyle

Bessie Craigmyle (1863–1933) was a Scottish poet who lived in Aberdeen.

Bessie was the daughter of an elderly schoolmaster, who retired when she was still a child. He was able to devote his energies to her education, providing an extensive library and a number of greenhouses in the family home for her use.[1]

After qualifying as school teacher, she taught in the Dr Williams School, Dolgellau,[1] which was a pioneering secondary school for girls.[2]

She was brought up in the Presbyterian faith but came to question this as a teenager. At this time she met Margaret Dale, another daughter of a schoolmaster. They became close friends, but Bessie wanted more from the relationship. They shared an ambition to become doctors, and Dale accepted a well-paid job at St. Andrew's Scots School, Buenos Aires. While in Argentina she was engaged to be married, but then died. When news of this reached Craigmyle, she suffered from a breakdown. Following an accident on the 46th anniversary of Margaret's death in 1933 Bessie herself died.[1]

Works
  • Poems and Translations 1886
  • A Handful of Pansies 1888

References
  1. McCall, Alison. "LGBT History Month: Bessie Craigmyle (1863-1933)". Women's History Network. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
  2. "Dr Williams' School, Dolgellau". People's Collection Wales. People's Collection Wales. Retrieved 20 September 2014.
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